WSU Researchers Work to Build the Smart Grid
(WSUToday) — Earlier this week, President Barack Obama announced $3.4 billion in grants to improve the efficiency of the electric power grid through Smart Grid technology. A group of WSU researchers in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are taking a leading role in developing new communication and control paradigms that will make the smart electric power grid a reality.
Fed's Smart Grid Race Leaves Cybersecurity in the Dust
Amid the government-funded rush to upgrade America’s aging electric system to a smart grid comes a strange confluence of press releases this week by the White House and the University of Illinois.
Tuesday morning, President Obama, speaking at Florida Power and Light (FPL) facilities, announced $3.4 billion in grants to utility companies, municipal districts and manufacturers to spur a nationwide transition to smart-grid technologies and fund other energy-saving initiatives as part of the economic stimulus package.
FPL will receive $200 million to install 2.6 million smart meters and other technologies that promise to reduce energy costs for customers. CenterPoint Energy in Houston, Texas, gets $200 million to install 2.2 million smart meters (.pdf) and more than 550 sensors and automated switches. Baltimore Gas and Electric in Maryland is another $200-million recipient.
Highlights from the 2009 Student Forum
Below are some highlights from the 2009 EECS Student Forum, held at the CUB Jr. Ballroom. The students who attended were informed about EECS news while enjoying a free meal. Dr. Shirazi gave an update on the state of the school, professors gave an overview of each discipline, and student clubs and organizations gave a short description of their group.
There were also prizes. First place winner was Theodore Storms, who won a 16 GB Ipod Nano. Second place winner was Michael Turi who won an 8 GB Ipod Nano. And third place winner was Yiming Chen who won an 8GB Zune digital media player.
Faculty, staff and students had a great time, eating, relaxing, networking, and getting to know more about what the School of EECS has to offer.

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